Why You Should Never Wash Towels with Clothes
It might seem convenient, but washing towels with clothes is a bad habit. Here’s why:
- Different Wash Needs
Towels need a hot, heavy cycle; clothes (especially delicates) need gentler care. Mixing them means towels may stay dirty or clothes get damaged. - Lint Transfer
Towels shed lint—especially new ones—which sticks to clothes, especially darks or synthetics, creating a mess. - Fabric Damage
Zippers and buttons on clothes can snag towels. Heavy towels can also cause lighter fabrics to pill or stretch. - Hygiene Concerns
Towels collect sweat, bacteria, and dead skin. Washing them with clothes spreads those germs. - Uneven Drying
Towels take longer to dry. Washed together, you risk soggy towels or shrunken clothes—and more wear on your dryer.
Bottom line: For cleaner, longer-lasting laundry, wash towels separately in hot water with a full cycle.